Everton and West Ham in Battle for Free Agent Midfielder Josh Brownhill
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According to sources, Everton and West Ham are competing to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, who scored an impressive 18 goals in the Championship this season. The 29-year-old played a crucial role in helping Burnley secure automatic promotion to the Premier League, but his contract situation has put both David Moyes’ and Graham Potter’s sides on high alert.
As reported by TeamTalk, Brownhill’s contract with Burnley expires on June 30, making him available for a free transfer if he doesn’t sign an extension before then. Everton have already agreed a deal to sign attacking midfielder Charly Alcaraz permanently for around £12m, but are reportedly keen to add more reinforcements to their squad.
The TeamTalk report states that Burnley are “keen” to tie Brownhill down to a new contract, but their attempts to sign Jordan James from Rennes for £12 million as a potential replacement suggest they are not confident of succeeding. This has put both Everton and West Ham on alert, as they look to seal a bargain signing.
Everton’s interest in Brownhill comes as no surprise, given that Moyes “chased Brownhill during his time at West Ham,” according to TeamTalk. The Toffees are looking to strengthen all over the pitch, and sources can confirm that the addition of a new midfielder is on the to-do list of new owners The Friedkin Group.
The fact that Brownhill can play as an attacking, central or defensive midfielder will no doubt appeal to Everton. Moyes, meanwhile, has a history of taking punts on players from the Championship, as evidenced by the signings of Tim Cahill at Everton and Jarrod Bowen at West Ham.
West Ham, however, have very little to spend if they don’t first sell players due to their PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules) situation, per reports. Players available on free transfers are therefore on Potter’s radar, and Brownhill has the quality to play in the Premier League, though he has no experience yet in the top tier.
As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how this story develops. The Clarets are still pushing for a renewal, but it remains to be seen whether Brownhill will commit to a new contract or opt for a move to the Premier League. One thing is certain, however: both Everton and West Ham will be keeping a close eye on the talented midfielder as his Burnley contract draws to a close.
In related news, TeamTalk has revealed that Everton are rivalling Leeds for 18 G/A Championship playmaker with an ‘enquiry’ made.
For more information on Everton’s transfer plans, fans can take part in our Everton quiz, testing their knowledge of the club’s most expensive signings per year from 2015-24.
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